Local singer /songwriter Stephen Smith has a new album out this month. Aptly to be released on workers’ Memorial Day, Saturday 28th April, ‘You, Me and the Revolution’ is a 13 song album which takes you on a societal journey of love, up-rise, peace and war. Four years in the making, Smith’s album crosses Folk, Rock and Indie genres and has similarities to The Levellers, The Waterboys and Billy Bragg.
Every year more people are killed at work than in wars. Most don’t die of mystery ailments, or in tragic “accidents”. They die because an employer decided their safety just wasn’t that important a priority. Workers’ Memorial Day commemorates those workers.
Coming seven years on from Smith’s debut ‘Next train to nowhere’, ‘You, Me and The Revolution’ continues to ask questions of the establishment and society as a whole, with lyrics covering debates around Brexit, homelessness and the miner’s strike, and even throws in a humorous, keep yer chin-up, song ‘Standing down the Pier Head’.
Smith, who hails from St Helens, has a passion for writing and performing about injustices which surround the every-day man. His debut gained some notable recognition for the song ‘Liar Liar’, written about The Sun newspapers coverage of the Hillsborough disaster.
He said “You, Me and the Revolution is a collection of songs reflecting my feelings on things such as community, unity, love and peace. I always want my music to say something and I think I have managed to achieve that with these songs.”
“I have been writing songs since I was 18 and I am particularly pleased with this album. I think it breathes life into societal debates and sheds light on issues that I believe need tackling, while hopefully still being entertaining”
Produced by Merry Hell songwriter, guitarist and producer John Kettle, ‘You, Me and the Revolution’ was financed by a kick-starter campaign.
The photograph for album cover was taken on the steps of St Helens town hall, where Stephen, at the age of 14, marched, along with 50 school mates in 1985 when they went on strike to protest at the disruption being caused to their education due to the ongoing teachers strikes at the time. The photograph features some of the backers of Stephen’s kick-starter campaign holding aloft various placards.
An album launch gig will be held at The Church on Ormskirk Street (below Imperial) on Saturday 28th April at 8pm. Entrance is free and you will be able to get yourself a signed CD for the reduced price £5, with all proceeds going to the Teardrops supporting the homeless charity.
Praise for Stephen’s work
“This is no cookie cutter album. It ebbs and flows with love, heartbreak, and loss, and at the best moments the listener grasps Smith’s unyielding emotion”. Annie Reuter – rollingstone.com
“The man who writes the songs and rights the wrongs”. Pat Orchard
“No clichés, just heartfelt emotion… super stuff!” Great Red North
“Amazing, great voice and great work!” Red and white Kop
If you cant make the launch event you can purchase the album for £10 including P&P
www.stephensmithmusic.co.uk
Stephen’s Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/stephensmithsingersongwriterfanpage/
Facebook event for launch gig https://www.facebook.com/events/192549994863386/
